Ferrata Vallon

A panoramic round trip on the peaks above Rifugio Vallon. Never particularly busy, the ascent starts with a short, relatively straightforward ferrata which leads up to a solitary summit. From here the route winds its way down through a fabulous Dolomite setting along an equipped path.

GETTING THERE

Start from Corvara, Val Badia, Dolomites.

ACCESS

Start from Rifugio Kostner al Vallon 2536m. This is reached quickly from Corvara with the Boé lift and the Vallon chairlift. Alternatively, start from Passo Campolongo and follow along path No. 638 or, longer still, start from Arrabba and take path No. 637.

ROUTE

From Rifugio Vallon follow signs for the Vallon ferrata and enter into the rocky amphitheatre which is dominated by Sasso delle Nove and Sasso delle Dieci. Continue up its left-hand side and in the upper section walk past large boulders following the painted markers to reach the steep final section which leads to the ferrata proper. Put on your equipment here (harness, helmet, ferrata kit) and then follow the and thick ferrata cable diagonally right to the obvious waterfall.

This first section is not demanding, but pay attention on the slippery loose rocks. Cossing the bridge and walk beneath the waterfall: on windy days the icy water often provides a cool shower! The ferrata soon steepens and tackles the steep, exposed final wall. This athletic section finishes on the col between Sasso delle Nove and Cima del Vallon, from where a path then leads comfortably onwards. The quick side trip up to the summit of Sasso delle Nove is highly recommended: to do this, follow the easy south ridge (tracks and cairn markers) up to the splendid views in perfect solitude. Return along the ascent path.

DESCENT

The itinerary continues around to the south face of Cima Vallo to a fork (signposts) where you can either continue up to Piz Boè or begin the descent towards Rifugio Vallon long path No. 672. Equipped with a cable, this descends into the spectacular and exposed gully to the east of Cima Vallon. Cross a section at the base of the rocks prone to landslides, then continue easily back to the Refuge.